What to Expect From Your Stress Echocardiogram

If you’ve come to Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology for a stress echocardiogram, you might be wondering what the test involves and what it tells us about your heart. 

The stress echocardiogram is a safe, noninvasive way to assess how well your heart functions when it’s working harder, such as during exercise. Understanding what to expect during the test can help you feel more comfortable and confident going into your appointment.

Overview of a stress echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram, or “stress echo,” combines two tests in one: a cardiac stress test and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). It helps our board-certified cardiologist, John Terzian, MD, evaluate how your heart performs under stress and whether your heart muscle is getting enough blood flow.

During the test, our team takes images of your heart before and after exercise. By comparing these images, we can detect areas that may not be getting sufficient oxygen due to blocked or narrowed arteries, a condition known as coronary artery disease.

Who needs a stress echocardiogram

Doctors may recommend a stress echocardiogram if you:

• Experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue during activity
• Have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart problems
• Have already been diagnosed with heart disease and need to monitor treatment progress

A stress echocardiogram may also be part of a presurgical evaluation to determine your heart’s function.

What happens during a stress echocardiogram

To prepare for the test, you change into comfortable clothing, and our team connects you to electrodes that monitor your heart rhythm.

To get a baseline, our ultrasound technician takes the first set of heart images while you’re lying down. 

You then walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike. The intensity gradually increases to raise your heart rate. Immediately after you stop exercising, we take another set of images to show how your heart responds under stress.

If you’re unable to exercise, we may administer a medication to simulate the effects of physical activity safely.

What the results show

We review the images to evaluate heart muscle movement, pumping strength, and blood flow patterns. Abnormal changes may suggest a blockage or reduced blood supply. We can use the results to talk to you about diagnosis and treatment. 

Preparing for a stress echocardiogram

We usually recommend you avoid eating, smoking, or drinking caffeine for a few hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Bring a list of medications; we may provide special instructions about which to take beforehand.

A stress echocardiogram can protect your heart

A stress echocardiogram is a powerful diagnostic tool that gives our Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology care team valuable information about your heart’s function and health. 

If you have questions before your appointment or need to schedule a stress echocardiogram, call our office or use our online tool to schedule an appointment today at our West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, practice.